Bolton town centre protest against installation of telecom masts

The 6G poles have been likened to 'rocket launchers' and have proved controversial with residents and councillors in Bolton.

Smithills councillor Cllr Roger Hayes has previously raised the issue surrounding the council’s planning controls and has said it is an ‘eyesore’ for many residents.

He has confirmed that he will be speaking at the protest to make people aware of recent changes to planning laws.

Cllr Hayes said: “I think that people need to be aware about what has happened to planning laws where permitted development was passed, making it difficult to override.

• ALSO READ: IX Wireless carrying out work with 'minimum notice possible'

“It’s adding to clutter all over our streets and then there are the overhead problems with all the cables, and many years ago we made sure they were underground.

Protest on Lea Close, Bolton (Image: Newsquest)

“What local councils can do is limited and there’s no control over it.”

Cllr Hayes says hoping to get a report in the coming days on what councils are able to do and whether national planning regulations are being followed, after a motion that was passed at a full council meeting in March.

Just last month hundreds of angry people from the ‘residents against IX Wireless’ group gathered on Lea Gate Close, Harwood following the installation of a ‘horrific rocket launcher’.

• ALSO READ: Hundreds of angry residents protest against 'rocket launcher' style mast

It is not the first time that concerns have been raised, a large number of residents have aired their issues in recent months, which stem from a ‘lack of consultation’ and viewing them as ‘unnecessary’ for some areas.

Protest on Lea Close, Bolton (Image: Simon Taylor)

Protest organiser, Martin Henderson said: “My biggest issue is that residents were not consulted.

“The infrastructure has just been put up on our streets and no one asked if we wanted this.

• ALSO READ: Bolton residents 'brassed off' over masts installed

“Residents should be consulted as to what wooden poles and masts are going on our streets.

“I am hoping there will be at least a thousand.

“With the turnout last time it’s not unrealistic expect this because a lot of people are upset about this.”

The issues are expected to be looked at more closely with several people expected to speak, including Cllr Susan Haworth, Bolton South East MP Yasmin Qureshi, and several prospective candidates.

Bolton North East MP Mark Logan MP said:  “Local Conservative councillors have been extremely supportive of residents in helping to build a case to take to Ministers.  

"I’ve written to both the Minister of State for Data and Digital Infrastructure and well as the Minister for Housing and Planning to demand urgent support. 

"This Government is right to lead by example by implementing world-class digital infrastructure. The ambitious goals put wireless connectivity at the heart of new and existing infrastructure driving private investment, building better markets and boosting competition.  

"Creating a Bolton fit for the 21st century and for generations to come, is of course a priority.  

"But residents absolutely must be consulted to achieve this. The handling of the installations thus far has been wholly derisible and clearly affected many people in our community.” 

A spokesperson for IX Wireless said: “As with all our infrastructure investment across the region, we continue to actively engage with the local authorities who are aware of the work that is taking place.

“We have been in consultation with Bolton Council and currently engage with them in weekly meetings.

“The latest investment in digital infrastructure will provide the communities in Bolton with much needed gigabit-capable broadband services at a fraction of the cost of other broadband providers.

“We understand that while many people have welcomed investment in the roll-out of digital infrastructure, some people are unhappy with the installation of new poles.

“Where necessary we are happy to speak to residents who may feel a structure is causing an obstruction.

“We want to reiterate that the only way to level-up the region and move towards a digitally inclusive environment is to invest in a new innovative network which will give people the same opportunities as those across the country otherwise we are at risk of being left behind.

“New infrastructure enables us to provide communities across the North West with more choice, better service and cheaper broadband.

“We are building for the future today because without this new investment, current providers in the marketplace will continue to raise their prices without putting in the investment needed to provide their customers with broadband that is fit for 2023 and beyond.”

The protest will take place on April 15 from 1pm-2pm at Bolton’s Town Hall steps.

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.